TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Magical Thinking and Grimoires From:Damien Braniff <Damien_Braniff -at- PAC -dot- CO -dot- UK> Date:Wed, 14 Jan 1998 09:33:04 +0000
I think both contextual and "magic" have their place. Generally I the
"magic" goes in "How To" Help and Quick Ref/User Guides. Here the user
isn't interested (at the time anyway) in how something works, only in how
to do it. In full blown Reference Manuals (essentially old fashioned user
manuals that people read only when they had to!) I give full chapter and
verse where it is appropriate - based on the audience it's aimed at.
